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Ontario Science Centre-nominated torchbearer Marissa Papaconstantinou is all smiles as she high-fives visitors while carrying the Pan Am flame at the Centre on Monday, July 6 as part of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am ... Facebook Twitter Pinterest

Ontario Science Centre-nominated torchbearer Marissa Papaconstantinou is all smiles as she high-fives visitors while carrying the Pan Am flame at the Centre on Monday, July 6 as part of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Torch Relay. The Centre held a free community torch relay celebration that included sports-related programming, sponsor activations and live music.1 (CNW Group/Ontario Science Centre)

TORONTO, July 6, 2015 /CNW/ - First she inspired an exhibit at the Ontario Science Centre, now 15-year-old para-athlete Marissa Papaconstantinou will be the Pan Am torchbearer to carry the flame when the torch relay visits the Science Centre on Monday, July 6 as part of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Torch Relay.

"An outstanding para-athlete, Marissa inspired an exhibit in The AstraZeneca Human Edge exhibit hall that explores the possibilities, wonders and limits of human performance, said Dr. Maurice Bitran, CEO, Ontario Science Centre. "We're thrilled she will be carrying the Pan Am flame at the Science Centre on July 6. This is yet another way she will inspire our visitors."

The Toronto teen was born without her right foot and fitted for her first artificial limb before she was one. Today, Marissa uses four different prosthetic limbs: two "everyday" legs and two specially designed for sport. The science and technology behind today's prosthetics have allowed her to excel at sport: Marissa holds the Canadian record for the 100m and 200m sprint in her class, and she's a 2016 Paralympic Games hopeful. One of the top five in the world in her class at only 15, Marissa is vying to qualify for the World Track & Field Championships in Qatar this fall.

"I'm honoured to carry the Pan Am flame at the Ontario Science Centre as part of the Pan Am Games Torch Relay," said Marissa Papaconstantinou, Ontario Science Centre-nominated torchbearer. "The excitement for the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games continues to build for athletes and community members alike with each torch relay stop; it's a great feeling to be part of that momentum."

The Ontario Science Centre's torch relay celebration will be held on July 6, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in TELUSCAPE, located outside of the Science Centre's main entrance. Everyone is invited to participate in this free event, which will include sports-related programming, sponsor activations and live music. The Pan Am flame is scheduled to arrive at the Ontario Science Centre at approximately 1:25 p.m.

And the sports-inspired fun doesn't end on July 6! The Science Centre will be celebrating sports all summer long with its Sports Science Arena, where visitors can test their skills in aerodynamics and trajectory, ball physics and teamwork. Six high-octane activity areas will push visitors' strength, endurance, aim, reflexes and flexibility to the limit. For more information about the Science Centre's summer programming, please visit www.OntarioScienceCentre.ca.

The Ontario Science Centre will welcome its 50 millionth visitor this month since it opened in 1969, implementing an interactive approach adopted by science centres around the world. Today, the Science Centre is a leader in free-choice science learning and a key player in Ontario's innovation ecosystem, offering lifelong learning through hands-on, engaging experiences. It is a prime venue for public dialogue about science, technology and society. The Ontario Science Centre is an agency of the Government of Ontario funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. As a publicly assisted organization, the Science Centre relies on generous individuals, corporations and foundations who share a commitment to science and education for additional operating support. For more information about the Ontario Science Centre, please visit www.OntarioScienceCentre.ca.

The TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Torch Relay, presented by President's Choice and OLG, is supported by community partner CIBC and signature supporters Star Media Group and Metroland Media, Ontario Trillium Foundation, and Porter Airlines. The torch relay will invite Canadians to celebrate and share the Pan Am spirit throughout its 41-day journey towards Toronto, the host city of the Games.

Image with caption: "Ontario Science Centre-nominated torchbearer Marissa Papaconstantinou is all smiles as she high-fives visitors while carrying the Pan Am flame at the Centre on Monday, July 6 as part of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Torch Relay. The Centre held a free community torch relay celebration that included sports-related programming, sponsor activations and live music.1 (CNW Group/Ontario Science Centre)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150706_C5229_PHOTO_EN_437114.jpg